UEFA CL: Man U in thrilling Champions League final with Barca

Manchester United set up a mouth-watering final with world club soccer kings Barcelona on the 28th May at Wembley Stadium following their 4-1 demolition of Schalke 04 at Old Trafford last night.

Sir Alex Ferguson could afford to make nine changes after notching a crucial 2-0 away victory two weeks earlier in Germany.

The Man U 'reserve' team proved even better with a performance rich in quality and attacking artistry. Irish man Darron Gibson was the architect of much of the damage inflicted on Schalke in the first half with a great individual display.

Gibson first set up Antonio Valencia with a great pass in the 26th minute for Man U's first goal. He then scrored the Red Devils' second in the 31st minute.

Jose Manuel Jurado pulled a goal back for the Germans.

It was left to Brazillian Anderson to complete the work for the home team when he added a brace in the second half to complete a 6-1 aggregate whitewash for Ferguson's men, and in the procfess set up a dream final gainst Barcelona.

Now Ferguson insists that Man U can not afford to fear Barca, and his team has to come up with a solution to the threat posed by the well-oiled soccer machine that Barca has now become in the world of football.

"I don't think we should be going to Wembley lacking in confidence," Ferguson said.

"I think Barcelona's form has been very good this season. We're playing a fantastic team.

"But we can't be frightened out of skins because of that. Their form is there for everyone to see - our job is to find a solution," the Man U coach added.

Barca themeselves have been in irresistible form, and in the two legs against Real Madrid, there was a big guld between the two teams, with Real's attempted counter attacking game failing to work against Pep Guardiola's boys dismally.

The Catalan club qualified for the Champions final on a 3-1 aggregate victory over Real Madrid, following a 2-0 away victory and a 1-1 draw at home on Tuesday night.